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Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery Sydney NSW

Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Sydney - an alternative to traditional facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery

Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery Sydney NSW

Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Sydney - an alternative to traditional facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery

Video: What is the 'mini' facelift (rhytidectomy)?

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What is a Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy)?

The goal of this surgery is to tighten loose skin around the lower section of the face. It also aims to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and addresses excess skin. The procedure is designed for people who want to address the appearance of their facial features, but don’t have the time or don’t want to undergo full facelift (rhytidectomy).

It is also known as an S-Lift because of its curved incision, which begins in the hairline at the temple and continues along the natural line in front of the ear, curves behind the earlobe and into the lower scalp. It is considered as less invasive yet very similar to a traditional facelift (rhytidectomy).

While this procedure does not offer as much change to your appearance as a full facelift (rhytidectomy), it can help to reduce (or delay) the desire for more invasive surgery and is generally less expensive than a traditional facelift (rhytidectomy).

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Why Patients Might Consider a Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Patients might consider a mini facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure in comparison to a full/traditional facelift (rhytidectomy) for a number of reasons, including:

  1. A shorter recovery period: because the procedures is less invasive than a traditional or a deep plane facelift (rhytidectomy), the recovery is generally shorter. Most patients can return to their normal activities within two weeks of the procedure. It’s important to keep in mind that this is still a surgical procedure and recovery time may also depend on the patients commitment to post-surgical instructions.
  2. Less Scarring: since a mini facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure involves smaller incisions than a traditional facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure, there is generally less scarring
  3. More subtle results: unlike a complete facelift (rhytidectomy), a mini facelift (rhytidectomy) provides patients with more subtle results, whilst still aiming to achieve a “lifted” look
  4. Prevention: a mini facelift (rhytidectomy) may be suited to people who would like to address the signs of ageing and prevent further facial procedures in the short term
  5. The procedure is less expensive than a traditional facelift (rhytidectomy)
  6. Fewer risks of complications, including nerve damage and poor healing when compared to traditional facelift (rhytidectomy)
  7. Though mini facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery will not stop or reverse ageing, it aims to address earlier signs of ageing
Mini facelift surgery

Are you a Suitable Candidate for Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery?

Candidates for the mini facelift (rhytidectomy) are generally younger and have minor to moderate sagging of their facial skin, cheek, nasolabial area (from nose to the corner of mouth), and jowls.

In addition to reducing wrinkles and sagging skin on your face, a mini facelift (rhytidectomy) aims to address your jaw line. If you have already had a traditional facelift (rhytidectomy), you may find that the mini facelift (rhytidectomy) can provide additional results. Generally speaking, a good candidate for the mini facelift:

  • Wants a subtle result
  • Has minor to moderate signs of ageing
  • Understands that the mini facelift (rhytidectomy) does not address “drooping brows” or excess skin around your neck area
  • Is in good overall health
  • Is a non-smoker or can stop smoking for a few weeks prior and after the surgery

If you don’t have a lot of excess skin or laxity in your neck, you are generally a good candidate for a mini-facelift (rhytidectomy). The incision used in the mini facelift (rhytidectomy) is smaller than traditional facelifts (rhytidectomy) because this procedure doesn’t include much skin reduction. It focuses more on the tissues underneath the skin.

If the skin around your neck has lost a lot of it’s elasticity or if you have lost a lot of weight recently, then you might benefit more from a traditional facelift (rhytidectomy).

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Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgical Procedure

Here are some quick facts about the mini facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure:

  • Anaesthesia: it is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure can be done as a day case or overnight stay in hospital. As the mini facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure is often combined with other procedures, the type of anaesthesia depends on the complexity of the intervention
  • Surgery Length: the surgery takes about 1 – 2 hours
  • Recovery: within a few weeks you should recover fully. The time frame depends on how extensive the procedure was. If someone has minimal signs of ageing, a less-aggressive technique can be applied, reducing recovery time
  • Back to work or exercise: You can get back to work within 1-2 weeks. But avoid exercising for a month or so. Strenuous exercise may raise your blood pressure and cause bleeding at the surgical site.
  • Final results: you can expect to see the full effects of your surgery after between 4 and 6 months when all swelling has subsided and the scars have healed

The incisions for a mini facelift (rhytidectomy) are smaller than traditional facelift (rhytidectomy) and the skin is lifted less than when the traditional one is performed. The mini facelift (rhytidectomy) scar is also shorter than the traditional facelift (rhytidectomy). A small incision is made in front of the ear and behind the ear lobe, usually measuring around 5 cm long. The skin is pulled back, moving the deeper tissues and lifting the face, before being stitched back into position. The underlying muscle and tendons are stitched to a tighter position.

Recovery after a Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery

After the facelift (rhytidectomy), you can expect to experience swelling and bruising. This may persist for several weeks, but this can usually be covered up with makeup after a few days. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medicine to help mitigate any discomfort.

There are variations on how long the pain medicines need to be taken. And again, it depends on how much work was done during the procedure. The amount of discomfort after surgery will also depend on your health condition before the procedure.

After a mini facelift (rhytidectomy), your face may be wrapped in gauze for 24 hours. In some case, Dr Hunt might use drains, which are tubes that drain away excess blood and fluid. Also, expect to feel groggy and a little out of it for the first day or two after surgery.

Surgery Aftercare

Dr Hunt will give you some instructions to follow after surgery. You may need to keep your head elevated for a few days after surgery. This position can help reduce swelling and bruising. You may need to sleep with several pillows under your head and shoulders.

Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Cost Sydney - How much does mini facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery cost in Sydney NSW?

This is the mini facelift (rhytidectomy) price range in Sydney varies based on many factors. The Sydney mini facelift (rhytidectomy) price depends on the surgical facility, anaesthesia and amount of surgery time required.

Is Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) surgery covered by Medicare or private health insurance?

Medicare and insurance in Australia do not usually cover the costs of a facelift (rhytidectomy) as it’s considered a purely cosmetic surgery.

Find out more about a Mini Face Lift Surgery Payment Plan, or the costs for other face surgery on our Surgical Costs page.

Speak With Dr Jeremy Hunt

Dr Hunt prides himself on providing the most appropriate techniques and practices for all patients, which begins from the first consultation.

Next Step – Fill in the Enquiry form or call Dr Hunt’s Team on 1300 157 200.

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Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery FAQs

How long does a mini facelift (rhytidectomy) last?

Answer:

The direct answer to this question is – it depends. Facelifts (rhytidectomy) are not regarded as permanent procedures, but you should be able to see the results for at least five years. With proper care and maintenance, the effects of a mini facelift (rhytidectomy) can last many years.

How is a mini facelift (rhytidectomy) different from a traditional facelift (rhytidectomy)?

Answer:

A mini facelift (rhytidectomy) is less invasive than a traditional facelift (rhytidectomy), which generally means less downtime and fewer risks of complications. The main difference is the smaller incision, so the scarring is reduced.

 

Does a mini facelift (rhytidectomy) help with nasolabial folds?

Answer:

Yes, it will help with nasolabial folds, but only to a point. If you have significant nasolabial fold creases, a mini facelift (rhytidectomy) may not be the ideal procedure for you.

 

What is the best age to get a mini facelift (rhytidectomy)?

Answer:

There is no ideal age to undergo mini facelift (rhytidectomy); however, it generally patients who have noticeable signs of ageing can opt for this surgery. This is typically in the late 30’s or early 40’s.

What are Risks and Complications of Mini Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery?

Answer:

Most of the risks when it comes to a mini facelift (rhytidectomy) are the same as those with any other kind of surgery. Most risks are unlikely to occur and will be explained by your surgeon during the consultation. Bleeding and infection are two of the concerns.

Scarring is always a risk. Some people are prone to form hypertrophic or keloid scars which can be difficult to treat. Usually, the scar is hidden behind the crevices in the ears and hairline, so the risk of a large scar is minimal.

Sometimes there are areas where irregularities occur after surgery because when tissues are stretched out like this, sometimes they don’t smoothen out immediately. However, after the swelling goes down it should be smooth again, if not, a revision may be needed. But, that’s unlikely. There’s also a risk of nerve injury, which is rare.

Take a look at our plastic surgery risks page to read more on this.

Further Reading and Medical Sources

PLASTIC SURGEON SYDNEY

About Dr Jeremy Hunt

Dr Hunt has worked with thousands of patients across his 20-year career. This is reflected in his role as Spokesperson for the ASPS – Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. Dr Hunt is also a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Sydney Children’s Hospital.

Dr Hunt has a strong interest in helping his patients achieve their desired results by employing the most appropriate practices for each individual patient.

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Dr Maryam Seyedabadi

Dr Maryam Seyedabadi has recently joined Dr Hunt’s practice in Edgecliff and is now available for consultations on a range of plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery for breast, body and face.

She is just one of the very few dually qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeons, completing both medical and dental degrees. This gives her a unique skillset and ability for face surgery, orthognathic & jaw surgery.

As a Sydney Female Plastic Surgeon, Dr Maryam offers surgery by women for women. She is supported in clinic & theatre by a completely female surgical team for those who prefer being operated on in a women-only or more female-friendly private hospital environment.

 

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